World Read Aloud Day was created and inspired by the idea a child. The non-profit organization behind the movement, LitWorld, launched WRAD in 2010, and the special day now reaches readers in more than 170 countries. It got me thinking of my experience with reading aloud to children and the impact it made on my life.
One of the greatest joys I have had as a parent was going into my sons’ school and helping in the library. The absolute pleasure of being a volunteer librarian is something that will stay with me forever.
At first, I was offered my children’s classes to help when they came to the library. But after a while, I took on more time and stayed a little longer for each shift. It was a great privilege to have had the time to do so and I cherish it.
What does a Volunteer Librarian do?
Things were changing just as my children were leaving elementary school, so there may be some things that are not done the same anymore. But for me, being a volunteer librarian meant collecting borrowed books from each classroom, sorting books, scanning them in and placing them back in their designated spots in the library, preparing some activities for the younger grades, and checking out books for the children when they were ready.
But the absolute best thing I got to do was read aloud to the children.
The Impact of Reading Aloud
When the little ones from kindergarten came in, they were escorted straight to the colourful carpet in front of the big chair. It was a special part of their day to hear a story read to them at the library. Most kept quiet regardless of the book choice, while others needed a bit more animation and entertainment to keep them engaged.
I always had a few books ready to go for each class. I would choose a couple of English books and at least one book in French, since my children went to a bilingual elementary school. There were times that the first book was just not cutting it, so I would have a back up book for those occasions. Sometimes, I would choose very short and fun books, while other times I chose a longer book that I would continue the following week. Many times after reading, one or two of the children would come up to me and ask for the book I read to check out and bring home that week. They wanted to enjoy it a little bit more, maybe share it with a sibling or their parents. It made me happy that I chose a book that made them so interested.
Not Just for Little Ones
When my boys were getting into their last years of elementary, I thought they may not be thrilled to sit on the carpet anymore with their friends and have their mom read a story. So I tried something a little different and it made a big impact. I went to the back of the library where the forgotten books lived. The classics. The books in Times Roman font, with vintage-vibe covers. The Invisible Man, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Journey to the Center of the Earth, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I would start with an explanation and ask a few enticing questions.
“How old do you think this book is?” “Does it remind you of any movies you might have seen?”
I’d give them a bit of context, and then we would start with the first chapter. If we had time for a second chapter, we’d read that too. Sometimes, if the kids were interested, I’d ask if anyone wanted to read a chapter to their classmates. It wasn’t a punishment; I only chose the kids that wanted to read aloud.
For kids in older grades, class time is filled with more important studies and breaks diminish. Coming to the library was a pause. And reading to them was an unlocked memory of when they were little and had just started school.
Almost every time, the older kids wanted another chapter. And almost every time, a few would ask where in the library I got the book from and were there others like that? The older kids were the most engaged, the most interested, and the most curious to read more.
Bringing them to the section where the classics lived was such a highlight for me. The books were taken out again and the stories were being read again. These classics might never have been looked at if we never sat down together and read them out loud.
Reading Aloud at Home
My sons got into the classics because of this method. We read many books at home together. Before they could read themselves, I read to them every day. I read goofy stories, heartfelt stories, short stories, long stories, new and old stories.
Then, when they were able to read, I still read to them at night before bed. It was a routine to listen to me read as they were close to falling asleep. It helped them wind down and it was a way to finish off the day.
Now that they are older, we don’t have that same routine, but their love of reading has stayed with them. We have many books in our home, and we gift books to each other often.
Why is Reading Aloud So Effective?
Reading aloud allows children, young or old, to hear how words are pronounced, it builds comprehension with the expansion of vocabulary, and it can lead children to be curious and engaged, without criticism or judgement.
Hearing an adult read and make a mistake or fumble also allows kids to know it is ok to not get every word right the first time – it encourages them to remain consistent, patient and interested.
For older kids, reading aloud offers them the ability to imagine, and dream up the story without photos or drawings as prompts. This is the first time they are hearing descriptions and making visuals in their minds about what they are learning from words. And it can be very exciting!
Incorporating Reading Aloud Everyday, Regardless of Age
In this day and age, we need these moments of pause more than ever. Moments to listen, and think critically, to ask questions without judgement, and enjoy them with friends. It was a pleasure to have had the opportunity to real aloud to my boys and to all the children that came through the library when I was there.
You may think that reading aloud is simply for young children, but it is for everyone. As an adult, I seek out speakers, poets, and creatives that use reading aloud as a form of art. Whether it is a concert, a play, a podcast or a book reading, being able to hear a story that sparks inspiration, creativity and emotion is a gift. There is something almost magical when a story is spoken. It brings us back to our ancestors when storytelling was passed down in that very method; primitive and perfect, shared from the voices of family and friends.
Adding this element to your family can be as simple as listening to the radio together, reading a news article to your kids, or playing a short word game. Add a little bit in your everyday and you will find more things to talk about as a family. As adults, I challenge you to find one author, poet or actor performing this year. Enjoy listening to another adult reading to you. I promise, you will enjoy it too.
To learn more about the incredible organization I work with, that helps adults with literacy, visit www.LiteracyUnlimited.ca .
To read about my initial experience with Literacy Unlimited, you can read this post.